Knee osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative disease caused by a violation of the integrity of the cartilage tissue and structural changes in the underlying bone plate. A progressive pathological process, gradually covering all elements of the articular joint, leads to a pronounced deterioration of motor function, reduces the ability to work, and even becomes the cause of disability.
Orthopedic traumatologists are dedicated to the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Timely diagnoses and a competent approach to orthopedic correction make it possible to achieve positive results even in the most severe forms of pathology.
How does osteoarthritis of the knee joint develop?
Gonarthrosis of the knee joint (gony from the Greek "knee") is a multifactorial disease. The list of reasons provoking the development of the pathological process includes:
- trauma;
- chronic trauma associated with factors of production or violation of the exercise regimen;
- diseases (autoimmune, inflammatory, endocrine, vascular);
- overweight, obesity;
- charged inheritance (mutations in the gene encoding type II collagen chains, the matrix of hyaline cartilage);
- congenital dysplasias and joint pathologies;
- hemophilia, frequent bleeding in the knee joint;
- arthroscopic knee manipulations.
Prolonged exposure to unfavorable factors leads to the disruption of metabolic processes in the knee joint, the death of cartilage tissue cells, and a decrease in the density and elasticity of hyaline cartilage. Due to the weakening of the protection against functional load, compensatory reactions develop. Marginal growths (osteophytes) appear in adjacent areas of bone tissue, deforming the osteoarticular joint.
Progressive destruction involves inflammation of the inner lining of the joint and a violation of synovial fluid synthesis, aggravating the destruction of cartilage. As a result, its depreciation and functionality properties are reduced.
Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis
The main complaint is a dull pain in the right or left knee. It first makes itself felt after a long walk or vigorous physical activity. Painful sensations may appear when standing for a long time and going down stairs. As the degenerative process develops, other symptoms appear:
- morning stiffness of movements;
- periodic inflammation of the synovium (synovitis) and accumulation of fluid in the joint;
- swelling, redness of the skin;
- increased pain in the anterior-internal articular surface;
- creaking, crackling when moving;
- knee joint deformity;
- limit flexion and extension of the leg;
- change in the stereotype of walking, impaired motor functions;
- development of X or O-deformation.
The result of pathological changes, characteristic of an advanced stage, can be the closure and complete immobilization of the joint (ankylosis).
Who is at risk?
Gonarthrosis is the most common form of osteoarthritis and represents 33. 3% of the total number of degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system. It is found in all age categories. Most vulnerable to disease:
- elderly and senile people;
- women during menopause;
- people with increased body weight;
- professional athletes;
- patients who have undergone joint surgery or have congenital abnormalities of the musculoskeletal system.
Degree of knee osteoarthritis
There are 4 degrees of knee osteoarthritis. When specifying them, the percentage of osteoarticular degradation is taken into account:
- I - initial -<10%;
- II - stage of increasing symptoms, 10-25%;
- III - the most pronounced clinical manifestations, 25-50%;
- IV - terminal, >50% loss.
Knee disorders can be primary or secondary. Primary (idiopathic) osteoarthritis caused by the aging of the articular cartilage is most often bilateral and is diagnosed in elderly patients. The secondary degenerative process is the consequence of trauma and pathological disorders. It is usually one-sided and can debut at any age.
Which doctor should I see?
Osteoarthritis (knee joint), the symptoms of which can develop slowly and imperceptibly, which is why it is called a very insidious disease. Only the timely search for medical help can stop the destruction of cartilage. The treatment of knee osteoarthritis is the responsibility of orthopedists, traumatologists, arthrologists and specialists in sports medicine.
Appointment of a rehabilitation specialist
Injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system can significantly reduce the level of activity, both in sporting terms and on a daily basis. The objective of rehabilitation is the maximum possible recovery, compensation for impaired or completely lost functions. A multidisciplinary approach, comprehensive, but at the same time individual, allows you to shorten the recovery time. The specialists of the clinic strive to form a responsible attitude of the patient towards the rehabilitation process and her health.
Diagnostic methods
To detect structural changes in the knee joint, instrumental diagnostic techniques are used:
- bone scan;
- arthroscopy;
- ultrasound;
- CONNECTICUT;
- scintigraphy;
- Magnetic resonance.
The introduction of MRI into orthopedic practice has significantly expanded diagnostic capabilities. A safe, informative visualization method allows you to make a detailed assessment of the condition of nearby osteoarticular and soft tissue structures in almost all parameters:
- hyaline cartilage;
- subchondral bone;
- Bone marrow;
- medial and lateral meniscus;
- cruciate and collateral ligaments;
- synovium and synovial cavity.
An MRI of the knee joint (with osteoarthritis) reveals the presence of synovitis, bursitis, cysts, deformities, and intra-articular bodies. Therefore, CT can completely replace X-ray and other diagnostic studies.
Treatment
It is recommended that the treatment of knee osteoarthritis begins as soon as possible. It pursues the following objectives: reduce the progression of the disease process, eliminate pain, restore congruence of the articular surfaces, and achieve remission. There are 4 main therapeutic areas:
- preventive (weight loss, injury prevention, use of braces, physical education);
- drug therapy;
- physiotherapy treatment;
- surgical correction.
The rehabilitation center successfully uses the complex drug-free treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Includes a dosed load on the joint, kinesiotherapy techniques, physical therapy. The greatest positive effect is provided by microwave therapy, electrophoresis, therapeutic exercises and manual therapy.
Rehabilitation
The key point in the recovery of patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee joint is physical rehabilitation. It is a set of measures aimed at preventing the development of a pathological process, reducing pain, eliminating edema, strengthening the periarticular muscles, normalizing local blood circulation, maintaining and improving mobility.
The rehabilitation center actively uses rehabilitation programs that involve the use of modern technical means and high-tech patented simulators. An individual set of physical exercises is developed for each patient. This takes into account age, general condition, lifestyle, physical abilities, and the degree of damage to the knee joint.
Consequences
The neglected form of knee osteoarthritis carries irreversible consequences:
- severe deformation and shortening of the diseased limb;
- ankle and hip joint disorders, problems with the spine;
- constant excruciating pain and drug dependence;
- loss of the ability to move independently;
- disability.
Prophylaxis
To maintain health and prevent the constant development of degenerative processes, you need to follow simple rules:
- follow a healthy lifestyle;
- eat well and control the caloric content of food;
- maintain a healthy weight and sufficient physical activity;
- protect your knees from injuries and microtrauma;
- minimize the impact of harmful factors;
- strengthen immunity;
- when playing sports, strictly observe the squat technique;
- timely treat inflammatory diseases;
- undergo regular examinations even in normal health;
- choose comfortable shoes.
It is not yet possible to completely cure deforming osteoarthritis of the knee joint. But the disease can be prevented. The main thing is not to postpone preventive measures and visit a specialist.